Hydroponics is a technology whereby plants are grown without using soil. Nutrition of the roots occurs in an artificial environment. It can be both humid air, strongly aerated water, and solid (porous, moisture and air consuming). With this method requires frequent or constant drip irrigation using a working solution of mineral salts, the composition of which depends on the needs of a particular plant. Today we will talk about how to grow tomatoes hydroponically.
- Growing tomatoes hydroponically
- Selection of varieties for cultivation
- What you need to grow tomatoes hydroponically
- Technology of growing tomatoes by hydroponics
- How to grow seedlings
- Care for seedlings, how to get a rich crop of tomatoes
- Advantages and disadvantages of the hydroponic method of growing tomatoes
Growing tomatoes hydroponically
Tomatoes are a relatively unpretentious crop that many people love and would love to see on their table all year round. Self-grown vegetables are known to be both tastier and healthier. But not everyone has a plot for such a thing, and even happy owners will not be able to harvest in any season. Thanks to hydroponics, this has become quite realistic for both the greenhouse and the house. Growing tomatoes in a hydroponic plant is a matter, though not simple, but rather interesting and even a novice hydroponist can.
Selection of varieties for cultivation
First of all, it is necessary to determine what kind of tomatoes you want to grow. Although, theoretically, any varieties of tomatoes are suitable for growing hydroponically, but you will get higher yields by choosing special greenhouse varieties. It is also recommended to choose early ripe tomatoes.
- Gavrosh. Does not need a garter and pasynkovanii. The grade is resistant to a fitoftor. The mass of fruits, with a sweet taste, reaches 50 g. From germination to fruiting in hydroponics takes 45-60 days.
- Friend F1. High-yielding variety (3.5-4 kg per plant). Rarely affected by viruses and diseases. From germination to fruiting takes 55-70 days.
- Alaska. Has the same term of ripening as the previous variety. Grown without forming a bush. The yield is 3-3.5 kg per plant.
- Bon Apeti. Cluster variety of tomatoes. Needs a garter. Fruits are large - 80-100 grams. Productivity is high - 5 kg from a bush. Variety resistant to viruses and diseases.
What you need to grow tomatoes hydroponically
For hydroponics, it is necessary to acquire pots for plants, which were mentioned earlier (smaller internal and external large sizes). In internal tanks it is worth installing the index of level of liquid. Also need a substrate selected at your discretion. Since the nutrient concentration of a solution for a hydroponic tomato is measured by its ability to conduct electricity, you will need an electrical conductivity indicator.
A very important factor is the intensity of clarification. Tomatoes need a lot of light. At home, fluorescent or ultraviolet lamps are suitable. At the beginning of the growing season, plants require up to 20 hours of intense illumination, and during the fruiting period - up to 17 hours. The composition of the necessary items for hydroponics tomato also necessarily includes the system itself. It can be with the technique of the nutrient layer, drip irrigation or periodic flooding.
Technology of growing tomatoes by hydroponics
To grow tomatoes hydroponically at home you need to adhere to some rules. And it is worth starting with sowing seeds for seedlings.
How to grow seedlings
Soak the seeds in a 1% solution of potassium permanganate for 15–20 minutes just before sowing. Then rinse thoroughly. Many agronomists recommend the use of a special cork for planting seeds of the selected variety. After a week, corks are laid sideways to strengthen the stems and roots. After another 7 days, the tomatoes are transplanted into special cubes and so grow another 3 weeks. Then the cubes are well moistened and spread on the tray, pre-washed with bleach. Next, the seedlings are transplanted into a hydroponic system, adhering to the intervals (in the calculation of 0.9-1.2 m² for each seedling).
Care for seedlings, how to get a rich crop of tomatoes
As already mentioned, the solution is especially important when growing plants hydroponically. Without it, they die. Too concentrated, it leads to burns of the roots, and weak - to a low yield. Therefore, carefully calculate the amount of mineral fertilizer for hydroponics of tomatoes.
When plants grow to 20 cm, they must be tied up. This applies even to stunted varieties, since without a soil the plants are deprived of support. For the formation and ripening of fruits, flowering tomatoes must be pollinated (you can use a brush). Observe the temperature and light conditions described above and a rich harvest is provided for you.
Advantages and disadvantages of the hydroponic method of growing tomatoes
Hydroponics technology for growing tomatoes has a number of advantages:
- Optimization of space, water and fertilizer consumption.
- Nutrients are digested completely, rather than dispersed in the soil.
- Plant growth is faster compared to those grown in the usual way.
- Improved growth control.
- Reduced labor costs (you do not irrigate, do not fight with weeds, do not feed).
- Improving the yield and quality of fruits.
We have presented you a basic information about hydroponics of tomatoes, how to determine the variety, equipment, make a solution of hydroponics for a tomato, grow a seedling.They told about the pros and cons of this method, and whether it is worth the risk, to try something new in the cultivation of tomatoes - the decision is yours. We wish you only high yields.